Are you looking for real stories of what it actually takes to run and promote a family business? In this episode we dive deep into the wild world of business promotions—sharing everything from our earliest jobs (and surprising pay rates!) to the creative ways we’ve brought customers through the doors over the years. I talk about the legendary car giveaways and the chaos of selling 10,000 Dilly Bars in just six hours, as well as the tent sales, coupon comebacks, and “ham sandwiches for a dime” that kept everyone buzzing. We open up about the promos that really worked, the ones that fell flat, and why sometimes revamping an old idea is just what your business needs. If you’re ever stumped about how to market your business or where to put your energy, I share insights about tracking results, watching your budget, and planning for that all-important residual effect. Join me for business lessons, a few laughs, and tips you can actually use to make your next family business promotion a true winner. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and reach out with your own favorite ideas. Let’s keep mixing family and business—see you in the next episode!

Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com.

Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

On this episode of the Dixon Family and Business podcast, we took a nostalgic journey into the foods and kitchen traditions of our childhood—long before juice boxes and Lunchables were ever a thing. I loved hearing Shirley and Beth reminisce about life on the farm, from homemade bread and bacon fried in lard to that weekly tradition of oven-baked beans and Oscar Mayer hot dogs. We talked about all the handmade meals, the lard-fried eggs, and how treats like candy bars and potato chips were rare but deeply savored. For many of us, it was a time of pure, homegrown flavors—there were no store-bought short-cuts, just whatever came fresh from the garden or was carefully preserved in the cellar.

But our conversation wasn’t just food-focused. We shifted gears to talk about the roles we play—both in the family and in the business, and why clearly defining responsibilities is so important. We shared personal stories about confusion, resentment, and the surprising challenges that come up when job descriptions are fuzzy (especially when you work with those you eat family dinners with). It was honest, practical, and at times, pretty funny—especially when we shared the realities of switching roles, growing as a team, and sometimes just surviving the learning curve. If you’re thinking about defining roles in your own business or family venture, you’ll find plenty of real-world insight (and a little humor) in this episode!

Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com.

Make sure to check out our website to learn more!

On this episode I’m joined by Kim, Tom, and Joe Moy for a warm, nostalgic conversation about what it really takes to run multiple businesses as a family. We start off by sharing vivid childhood memories of Christmases before age twelve, touching on everything from decorating the house with lights, favorite meals (think ham, turkey, duck, and goose!), lively gift exchanges, and annual traditions like singing around the piano and the “kids’ table” rite of passage.

Then to a candid discussion on how values and personal principles have shaped not only our family life but also how we run our businesses. Kim reflects on the importance of making decisions that align with our mission statement—that we want our places to be where people want to work, eat, and shop.

We also tackle how to pass down values, whether within family or to new team members and why walking the talk is essential.

If you’re looking for stories about family, tradition, and leadership wisdom—all tied together by years of shared experience—this episode delivers plenty. Thanks for tuning in, don’t forget to like and subscribe so you never miss an episode, and we’ll see you next week!

Got a story to share or a question you'd like answered in a future episode? Email Brian at brian@mixingfamilyandbusiness.com.

Make sure to check out our website to learn more!